over the years john covered five presidents from jimmy carter to george w. bush. he mentored me, countless others. he was always smart and funny and courtly and wise. along the way he spent seven years at the "today" show news anchor desk. this morning bryant gumbel and jane pauley returned to talk about their dear friend. >> john was a gentleman was a capital "g." he was just gracious in every respect. just a professional warm man. >> he took me aside one day after the show and he said, he he says, jane, don't take this the wrong way, but does it ever amaze you that kirk douglas knows who you are? and i think a guy from kingsport, tennessee, he always pinched himself, what am i doing here? but, thank god he was. >> john was completely devoted to his wonderful family. his wife nancy, his three daughters, and his son-in-law, molly. carter also in the entertainment business and hope is a young aspiring journalist right here in our nbc news washington bureau. he was widely loved. he was aide mired by all who knew him. john palmer died at the age of 77. my insurance r